Indians call up LaPorta

The Cleveland Indians called up Matt LaPorta from the Clippers today, officially ending a triple-A exile that has lasted for all but 11 Tribe gamesthis season.

In the corresponding roster move, the Tribe optioned relief pitcher Frank Herrmann to Columbus. Cleveland also shifted outfielder Anthony Gallas from Class A Carolina to the Clippers.

LaPorta spent the previous two seasons asprimary first baseman for Cleveland, but was displaced this spring with the signing of veteran free agentCasey Kotchman. He played 101 games with the Clippers and leaves with a .264 batting average, 19 home runs an 62 RBI.

Onlytwo of those home runs and 19 RBI have come since the International League All Star break on July 9-11, LaPorta's batting average over that period has been .188 while he served as a first baseman, left-fielder and designated hitter for Columbus.

Herrmann recorded an ERA of 4.76 in 4 relief appearances (5.2IP, 5H, 3R/ER) after being promoted from Columbus on August 7.

Gallas has batted .250 with 8 home runs and 51 RBI this season for Carolina.